Bilbao is seen as a core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) port, and the project will facilitate a common Onshore Power Supply (OPS) infrastructure across the total port area. It will include a Photovoltaic (Solar Power) plant and 14 OPS connection points including the Cruise, Ferry and Container piers.

The project is expected to be completed by 2025 in time for the 2026 cruise season.

Cruise Manager Gloria Frau commented “We are delighted with this result, and are very grateful for the written support from MSC Cruises, Carnival UK, TUI Cruises and Royal Caribbean that has helped the funding case”

This is just one of a number of projects that the port has initiated over recent years. The Bilbao (OPS) project stands alongside other projects which include a 20 MW wind farm and  gas bunkering station, which are already in operation, and a hydrogen and e-fuel plant due to be ready by 2024. These projects are complementary and provide shipping companies with a range of options and services in terms of alternative fuels for the future. They place the Port of Bilbao at the forefront in terms of meeting the targets set by the EU.

This puts Bilbao Port well at the forefront in meeting meet the target of a 55% drop in emissions by 2030 set by the EU, and as we move forward, closer to meeting the EU’s “Fit For 55” targets by cutting its GHG emissions by 40%.

Stornoway Port Authority has welcomed a £49 million investment in a new Deep Water Terminal which will bring larger cruise ships to the Outer Hebrides.

The new facility will open up a gateway to the Outer Hebrides, providing a major boost to the local economy as more tourists than ever before are offered the opportunity to visit the region. Lewis and Harris are famed for Harris Tweed, the 5,000-year-old Callanish Stones, the Lewis Chessmen, Blackhouse villages, and are also home to some of the most picturesque beaches on the planet.

The Deep Water Terminal is set to be operational from May 2023, and will encourage cruise lines who have long held ambitions to get vessels alongside in the Outer Hebrides.

The terminal will be able to accommodate vessels up to 360m in length, and will be the only deep water berth on the west coast of Scotland, north of Greenock. Stornoway is a perfect location for UK itineraries, being an overnight sail to/from Kirkwall/Invergordon/Belfast/Glasgow. Stornoway is also an ideal stopping point for Iceland and Faroe Islands itineraries.

Alex MacLeod, Chief Executive of Stornoway Port Authority, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce this major investment in the Port’s cruise infrastructure, which will deliver a wealth of opportunities to both our community and the cruise industry.

“This significant project will allow Stornoway to welcome the world, as our epic landscape, living Gaelic culture, history with mystery, and limitless landmarks, provides the perfect offering for cruise lines and tourists alike as they seek to explore Scotland and beyond.

“This project will bring transformative change to the entire region, most notably to the local economy, and it gives us immense excitement to see the collaborative approach between all the local partners which will be essential to ensure the operational success of the terminal..

“Our own announcement comes just three weeks after the confirmation of Southampton’s new fifth terminal, which will greatly enhance the cruise itineraries and volume of ships coming from Southampton and neighbouring ports.”

The fifth dedicated cruise terminal at the port will benefit from roof-mounted solar power and will also have Shore Power connectivity installed. This further commitment to sustainable operations at the port will enable cruise ships, with the right onboard technology, to ‘plug in’ while they are alongside.

This investment of more than £55 million into the long-term future of cruise will strengthen the Port of Southampton’s position as Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port and the UK’s number one departure port.

In strategic partnership with MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, the Port of Southampton’s newest terminal will support a developing industry welcoming the next generation of ships in terms of size, capacity and technology.

Alastair Welch, Director of ABP Southampton, said: “We’re very pleased to announce this major advance in our cruise infrastructure at the port, delivering further access to Southampton for the industry, whilst supporting our commitment to accelerate improvements in local air quality.

“This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the future of cruise in Southampton and we’re excited to be at the forefront of a growing industry.”

Robert Courts MP, Minister for Maritime, Department for Transport, said: “Southampton is the heart of UK’s cruising industry and a new terminal will create even more jobs and boost the area’s economy. As we continue to support the cruise sector in its restart and recovery, it’s great to see Government funding being used to help deliver better services for passengers. This next generation facility also showcases to ports around the world how we’re pioneering the use of green technology right here in the UK.”

Steve Moeller, Senior Vice President of Commercial Development at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, said: “This agreement marks the continuation of the strong partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Port of Southampton and demonstrates our commitment to the region.

“Consistent with our commitment to driving a positive impact on society and the environment, we are pleased to further promote environmental conservancy by partnering with Associated British Ports for the new terminal that will feature Shore Power and Roof Mounted Solar Power.”

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO said: “We are really proud to be further supporting the UK cruise industry at this incredibly important time for both the industry and the UK economy. At MSC Cruises we really believe in the potential of the UK cruise market and making this long-term commitment is evidence of that.

“Over the last five years MSC Cruises has increased our presence in the UK & Irish markets and following a positive response from travel agents and our guests we feel now is the right time to make a more substantial commitment. We are in a unique position that not only will we be committing to having an MSC Cruises’ ship home port from Southampton every year, but several of our ships will be visiting Southampton as a destination as part of our wider cruise programme.”

“The cruise industry, and the world, is wading in uncharted waters as a result of the current pandemic we are experiencing,” said Shannon McKee, co-founder of CPAA and CEO of Access Cruise Inc. “In an effort to spearhead the resurgence of the industry, as the world attempts to get back to normality, we have come together to form an alliance that we believe will provide stakeholders with guidance, opportunities, inventive initiatives and programs needed to rebuild a stronger cruise industry.”

With countless experience from every background in the cruise industry, members Shannon McKee, founder and CEO of Access Cruise Inc.; David Selby, managing director of Travelyields, Ltd; Mike McFadden, founder and CEO of Mac Maritime, Inc.; Roger Blum, principal at Cruise & Port Advisors, Inc.; Ioannis Bras, CEO at Five Senses Consulting and Peter Wild principal at G.P. Wild, each bring their significant strengths to create a powerful partnership known as the Cruise Professional Advisors Alliance.

“I’ve known each of my fellow CPAA co-founders for up to 20 years and have witnessed the great work they do. While we will be continuing to work independently for the majority of the time, for me, this alliance is about sharing an unparalleled pool of knowledge built up over decades between us, from which our individual clients will undoubtedly benefit,” said David Selby, Co-Founder of CPAA and managing director of Travelyields Ltd.

Each member of the Cruise Professional Advisors Alliance has a proven track record of success in providing bottom line results for their clients. Specialized services include but are not limited to: cruise destination and port development; port management and representation; cruise statistics; business planning, strategic marketing, economic analysis and infrastructural planning, terminal and route development, cruise planning/destination technology, onboard revenue and onboard communication technology, customer and consumer surveys, ship simulation/navigation studies, safety and environmental impact studies and tender and contract evaluation.

CPAA member corporations are located in South Florida, the United Kingdom and Greece, putting them near the global epicenters of the cruise and maritime industries. The strategic partnership of each member provides a global outreach service of unparalleled integrity, cost effective solutions, and endless resources. For more information, visit www.cpaa.pro